The impressive results for Labour in the local elections answered critics who questioned if he had what it takes

Ed Miliband proved he can be a winner, an important moment for the leader of any political party.

The impressive results for Labour in the local elections answered critics who questioned if he had what it takes to lead his party back to power.

Mr Miliband isn’t a politician to get carried away so he knows there’s much work to do if Labour is to be in with a shout of winning a general election.

The lust for power of Nick Clegg may be the end of his party, the demoralised Lib Dems suffering heavy losses.

His gang is paying a high price for propping up David Cameron in a Tory-led Government which is imposing austerity without any fairness.

Meanwhile, David Cameron is a hounded Premier, with Tory wolves bearing their fangs and waiting to pounce.

The PR skills that sustained Mr Cameron in opposition and the early days of government are a handicap when the big debate is about policies and the direction of the Coalition.

In politics it is an error to get over-excited about local election results but the ground is undoubtedly shifting.

Over the top

MISSILES on roofs and a warship moored on the River Thames smack of overkill ahead of London 2012.

The authorities maintain the Olympics could be a terrorist target so have deployed military hardware to deter attacks and weaponry to shoot down aircraft should suicide bombers attempt a 9/11 style outrage. We have no alternative but to take their word it is needed until evidence is produced to the contrary.

But the militarisation of a world sporting event is regrettable, and we’d prefer a lower key approach.

Hel of a lass

HELENA Bonham Carter is a wonderful British eccentric, adding to the gaiety of the nation.